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Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run."

By Last Night in Little Rock, Section Elections 2008
Posted on Sun May 14, 2006 at 08:59:03 AM EST
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by Last Night in Little Rock

Al Gore was the lead act on Saturday Night Live last night giving an address to the nation as President, and Crooks and Liars has the video in both WMP and QT.

This is the self-effacing, plain talking Al Gore who was locked in a closet (or lockbox) during the 2000 campaign. In my view, he is the front runner for the Democratic nomination as President, if he can just be himself and not be controlled too much by handlers and focus groups. His outrage in past speeches to the excesses of this Administration touched a nerve.

Yes, I know that Sen. Hillary Clinton is the perceived "leader" in getting the Democratic nomination, but she has sold her soul to the amorphus "center" and seems too chameleon-like in her speeches, telling the audience what it wants to hear. Also, she is so polarizing among the Republicans that, if she were nominated, the Republicans would get a 10-15% boost in voters, just to vote against her.

Sen. John McCain? What respect I had for him as "a maverick" was lost with his liplock on the Administration's butt. He, too, has sold his soul to get the Republican nomination. If the Bushites had lied about me in the "push polling" of South Carolina, I would be finding a way to gut them at the best possible moment. (Remember, that was [defendant] Karl Rove's idea.)

But that's just me. I'm not John McCain. Thank God. I couldn't live with myself.

"Run, Al. Run."

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    Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." | 42 comments (42 topical)
    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#1)
    by aw on Sun May 14, 2006 at 09:20:13 AM EST
    If Gore wants it, he has my vote.

    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#2)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sun May 14, 2006 at 09:24:52 AM EST
    Al - we NEED you. Please represent the people as our President.

    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#3)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sun May 14, 2006 at 09:59:24 AM EST
    First, that video's great. Second, it's important to keep in mind that the way Al Gore conducted himself in 2000 had more to do with judgement than personality. He routinely has shown himself to make really bad decisions. I'm not quite sure he's presidential material. He'd be better off -- we all would be better off -- if he concentrated on establishing a "legacy" by giving us a liberal TV network.

    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#4)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sun May 14, 2006 at 10:16:23 AM EST
    sold her soul to the amorphus "center"
    In politics if one moves direction to the "center" it almost is invariably to the right. Ask John McCain, not that he wasn't there already.

    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#5)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sun May 14, 2006 at 10:32:03 AM EST
    Re my above post. The last line was a merde piece of writing.

    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#6)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sun May 14, 2006 at 11:07:12 AM EST
    If I had the deciding vote, sure, I'd vote for Gore, but like every other politician currently out there, I think he lacks the one quality necessary to get elected and govern effectively in today's bizarre political/media climate. I don't know that anyone has shown this intangible quality since JFK & Martin Luther King -- Reagan and (Bill) Clinton came the closest, but still missed by a country mile. What I'm talking about is a combination of charisma, a truly forceful and commanding physical and verbal presence, a lightning quick wit and an overwhelming command of the English language - in both the scholarly and the colloquial sense. That's a lot to ask for, but this is the most powerful and highly coveted job in the world. Why can't we find someone capable of turning in a dominating performace? Why can't we find someone capable of standing at the podium and sending a few chills down the spines of Americans on both sides of the political spectrum? Think about Gore, Kerry, Feingold, McCain, Bill Frist, the Bushes, the Clintons, Carter, Ford, Nixon, Dukakis, Lieberman et al. Now think about Martin Luther King. I rest my case.

    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#7)
    by jondee on Sun May 14, 2006 at 11:10:51 AM EST
    Btw, the bit about "algore" (who can get $20 thou a pop for a speech), talking about global warming "for the money" is so Talk-Radio-dumb, that it borders on white noise.

    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#8)
    by squeaky on Sun May 14, 2006 at 11:13:54 AM EST
    obsessed-I think that it is hard to find someone really smart, charismatic, quick witted, super literate and stupid enough to want to be president. Unlike garden variety psychological disorders that one is quite rare.

    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#9)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sun May 14, 2006 at 11:25:02 AM EST
    Squeaky - Your point is supported by the fact that we haven't had such a candidate for over 40 years.

    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#10)
    by jondee on Sun May 14, 2006 at 11:33:31 AM EST
    Mario Coumo can still breathe some eloquent fire. The problem is the coverage. Threaten the status quo too much and you're liable to get three months of "why is Howard Dean so angry?" The MSM is ridden with pathetic, beltway, cowards. Thats where we need some vision and intelligence.

    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#11)
    by Dadler on Sun May 14, 2006 at 11:42:28 AM EST
    We need an artist, a writer, a genuinely creative mind leading this nation. Someone who has the imaginative capacity to see past the noise of the moment and forge a handmade path to the music of the future. These people simply do not exist in American politics. Al Gore is a nice guy, but he has proven time and time again that when it really matters...he folds. I don't CARE what he's saying now. I'll care if/when he really stands up and is willing to risk something WHEN IT MATTERS. In other words, no polite debates, no pulling punches, no aw-shucks we're just politicians debating handshakes. As for Reagan and Clinton, one was an actor always with a script, the other couldn't control his own sexual dysfunction. Both fell very short of what a nation of supposed freedom can produce. Because there is largely no history of political art in this nation, the people we need to get into leadership positions have no legacy to follow.

    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#12)
    by squeaky on Sun May 14, 2006 at 11:43:24 AM EST
    Jondee-
    Mario Coumo can still breathe some eloquent fire
    Yes, I think he would make an excellent president, but he must have some skeletons in the closet and is happy that they are snoozing amongst the mothballs.

    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#13)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sun May 14, 2006 at 11:53:50 AM EST
    my favorite Al Gore bit was when he was wheeled out to a podium stiffly on a dolly and deposited before the mike by a "handler". classic self-deprecating, good natured Al. what a loss....

    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#14)
    by jondee on Sun May 14, 2006 at 12:06:49 PM EST
    Squeaky - No doubt. Probobly has a second cousin somewhere who's "sleeping with the fishes." Or, at least thats what Chris heh-heh Matthews would say..

    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#15)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sun May 14, 2006 at 12:14:29 PM EST
    Squeaky, its not the skeletons in the politicians closet i worry about, its how many he adds to the pile once he's elected (or or not elected, as the case may be). gotta deal with mom.

    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#16)
    by jondee on Sun May 14, 2006 at 12:24:32 PM EST
    It would help too, if candidates would dump all these idiotic "consultants", marketing specialists, and "focus groups say" people. All that comes out of it is a watered down, inauthentic, overly slick product in place of a genuine human being willing trust their own instincts and native intelligence.

    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#17)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sun May 14, 2006 at 12:26:36 PM EST
    JFK had sexual issues too, they just were allowed back then. As the MLK, he had his milieu. President, I dare say, was not it. He too had weaknesses too btw. Again, they were let go. I too expect more given the nearly 300M we have in this country. I too think Gore has limitations. Surely better than his alternative in '00, and a majority of the voting public knew it. But, quite a few Presidents weren't greats, but still rather good. Truman comes to mind ... he wrote a bit, but he was no artist. Give me a reasonable sort, not selfishly letting his sexuality taint his office, a competent leader with some skills. Give me someone like Bush's dad, and I bet the nation will sigh in relief. You know, not quite his politics, but he's a sort where neither side has to fear that they did not win the election. Once they show competence is back, perhaps next time we can shoot for greatness. Maybe competence is greatness now?

    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#18)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sun May 14, 2006 at 12:29:23 PM EST
    Jondee, this fellow Mathews of which you speak. Hardball is a big misnomer, Tweety is a Whitehouse gofer. One look at George Bush, On knees he do rush. Oh daddy let me play with your big soldier.

    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#19)
    by jondee on Sun May 14, 2006 at 12:36:28 PM EST
    LOL! Well done sir.

    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#20)
    by Dadler on Sun May 14, 2006 at 12:41:35 PM EST
    Joe, I'd also suggest that Kennedy's sexual dysfunction greatly hindered his presidency, it was out of control. I don't need some abstract expressionist who speaks in parables, I'd just settle for someone with a genuinely creative mind, who's spent a great deal of time in creative endeavors. But I ain't holdin' my breath. Where IS the next MLK? Just being born somewhere in Central America perhaps? Or Africa?

    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#21)
    by Edger on Sun May 14, 2006 at 12:41:55 PM EST
    Joe: Maybe competence is greatness now? I hope the bar hasn't been lowered that much by the bush years?

    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#22)
    by Dadler on Sun May 14, 2006 at 12:47:00 PM EST
    There was an ex-veep named Gore Whose rep was as a champion bore He still wants to be Prez So the tea-leaf says I just hope he has balls plus more.

    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#23)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sun May 14, 2006 at 12:47:20 PM EST
    In other words, no polite debates, no pulling punches, no aw-shucks we're just politicians debating handshakes. EXACTLY! Measured, forceful, passion. When a real leader show up, it will be obvious. It's definitely not anyone who's out there now.

    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#24)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sun May 14, 2006 at 12:47:33 PM EST
    Clinton and Bush do have one thing in though. They both cried to god. It was just the venue and the circumstances that differed.

    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#25)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sun May 14, 2006 at 12:49:06 PM EST
    One thing in common though.

    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#26)
    by jondee on Sun May 14, 2006 at 01:03:26 PM EST
    I suspect that the r.r may have poisoned the waters for a generation at least. As they said at the G.O.P convention: "Thank you Ron!"

    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#27)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sun May 14, 2006 at 01:06:10 PM EST
    Oh Mister Cheney you're slumbering deep, Should be awake if you're the VeeP. From me no guffaws, Only because. Dub, a glass eye could send to sleep.

    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#28)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sun May 14, 2006 at 01:09:22 PM EST
    Al or Bush both hate our freedoms, the end is coming and you fools don't see it do you?

    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#29)
    by Edger on Sun May 14, 2006 at 01:11:31 PM EST
    Obsessed: When a real leader show up, it will be obvious. Feingold, maybe?

    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#30)
    by Dadler on Sun May 14, 2006 at 01:12:47 PM EST
    Then again, my limerick above aside, I have to say it doesn't take much consideration at this point, after six Bush years, to realize that even Gore at his worst looks like purple mountain's majesty next to the apparently medicated and apocalyptic warmongering evangelical with the intellect of a putty knife (no offense to putty or knives) that Bush has been revealed as -- for those who somehow didn't know this before. And the Republicans are going to have a hard time foisting a candidate that won't be associated with that. Even McCain has been a silent little pony for much of the Bush stampede of madness.

    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#31)
    by chemoelectric on Sun May 14, 2006 at 01:17:21 PM EST
    You know, Al Gore was a tenth level vice president, and he was good at it. Give him a TV show.

    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#32)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sun May 14, 2006 at 01:18:38 PM EST
    Al Gore, as a person, as a public person, is head and shoulders above the rest of them out there, and his passion for the environment is precisely what we need the most in this world. Do we have to find our skin bubbling before we GET that there is a really pressing issue that cannot, will not, wait for our OPINIONS on the matter, or this man, to catch up? We should be pleading with him to lead us.

    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#34)
    by Dadler on Sun May 14, 2006 at 01:41:07 PM EST
    Agent99, The only question is will he lead in the same way his personality is leading right now? Or, when he has something to lose, a REAL mass of humanity to lead, will he drift back into the safety net? I desperately want to believe he will, and I'm sure I'll vote for him unless my dream candidate appears. And since matter is neither created nor distroyed, but merely changes forms, I'm hoping there's a rock or a flower or a puddle of sidewalk muck out there transforming into that candidate right now.

    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#35)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sun May 14, 2006 at 03:31:28 PM EST
    Dadler: I'm pretty sure that our dream candidate would be known to us right now if he/she existed. I admit I'm hoping like mad that Gore has learned his lessons about the consultants' sickening-to-us-all advice, and the triangulation that drives us all mad. I don't like his position on gun control, and I think the current administration illustrates precisely why we should drop that particular expression of our wishes for peace and harmony, but Gore is not a schemer, maybe a little too much of a compromiser for my blood, and extremely intelligent and reasonable. If he ran with Edwards, I'd be about the happiest camper in America. Actually, when they said Christopher Walken was running for president I was taken in by the hoax. I'd vote for him in a heartbeat. Faithful, blunt, humorous, intense, intelligent, outside the box, and scarier than Dracula when necessary... and he can dance!

    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#36)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sun May 14, 2006 at 03:36:35 PM EST
    Feingold, maybe? I've heard Feingold speak. He seems to be honest and intelligent and courageous, but he definitely doesn't have "it" ... the gift to communicate forcefully. We may elect a democrat, and we can't possibly elect anyone who not better than Bush, but that's not nearly enough - in order to actually fix the foreign policy, economic, environmental, healthcare, and cultural polarization problems, we need someone who knows how to speak forcefully and convincingly and face down the corporate noise machine by going directly to the people. We need a figure whose voice and words can pick us up by the shirt collar and shake some sense into us ... all of us. That's what King's orations did. After one of his speeches no one had to check with the pundits and polls to see if he got the message across. The power of his voice sent chills down your spine. Feingold can't do that. Gore can't do that. Dean tried but couldn't quite pull it off. It's not an easy thing to do, but somebody is going to have to do it. The worst of it is that powerful public oration can be used for evil. Adolf Hitler most certainly had "it". So not only do we have to find a person who has it ... we have to find one before they do.

    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#37)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sun May 14, 2006 at 04:07:21 PM EST
    Obsessed: Did you did, or did you didn't, catch Gore's MLK Day speech? C-SPAN has it in their video archives. I'm pretty sure the Liberty Coalition site can direct you to it too.

    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#38)
    by orionATL on Sun May 14, 2006 at 04:54:40 PM EST
    thanks, i think al gore has the experience and the intellect, and the caring to be a great president. one question to "last night in little rock": the phrase "run, al, run" was first used sarcastically by the irish fishwife-cum-columnists, maureen dowd, in a column re the 2004 democratic nomination. are you using it in counter-sarcasm?

    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#39)
    by Edger on Sun May 14, 2006 at 05:08:51 PM EST
    Obsessed, I agree. The charisma and the force of personality has to be there... as well as the honesty, integrity, absolute determination, and ability. We're talking about a natural born leader - not someone used to gain power by a political machine - but someone who can use the machine to truly lead. They just don't make them very often these days... unfortunately.

    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#40)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sun May 14, 2006 at 05:22:33 PM EST
    A fine choice may well be Joe Biden. Much time, though, still, for decidin'. Let us not simply choose, One who'd likely "Not Lose", ...Don't bother going to see that "Posiedon". sometimes i fail.

    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#41)
    by Molly Bloom on Sun May 14, 2006 at 05:56:02 PM EST
    Give me someone like Bush's dad, and I bet the nation will sigh in relief.
    Bush I was only competant in comparison to Bush II, I hope as a nation we haven;t lowered the bar that much. I say no more Bushes! Not JEB, not George P, none of the lot! Jesse Jackson had it right in 2000:
    America keep out of the Bushes!


    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#42)
    by Slado on Mon May 15, 2006 at 06:37:02 AM EST
    To see people actually hoping or wanting Al Gore to run again is laughable. Al Gore is a boob who has ruined any chance he had of making a run at the presidency by going around and obsessing about global warming. He's taken a completely leftward stance on every issue since he lost and a hard core liberal can't be president. Why can't liberals/democrats understand this? A moderate will be president in 2008. The only question is will it be McCain or Hillary pretending to be one.

    Re: Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." (none / 0) (#43)
    by kdog on Mon May 15, 2006 at 03:04:32 PM EST
    Where IS the next MLK?
    Wherever he/she is...they are being wiretapped, I'll guarantee you that. And he/she would end up in a cell or dead before they could make a change. Wasn't Al Gore involved with the NSA in some capacity? I think he was, and I think Fred's right...freedom is toast regardless. The only hope resides outside politics and the two-party system.

    Pres. Gore on SNL; "Run, Al. Run." | 42 comments (42 topical)